Archive for October, 2009

Baba says, “People…waste their time getting old for nothing. That is, they waste their time in non-spiritual pursuits. This is called “spiritual lethargy”. It causes the greatest harm to human life because it results in only a very small percentage of the human potentiality – maybe one or two percent – being utilized by humans.

Baba, I was remaining forgetful and was oblivious of You for such a long
span of time. My life passed like this. I traveled on the rugged, jagged path.
Sometimes I fell down in the ocean current.

My days, full of stains, were wasted in hopelessness– without any
achievement, without any genuine progress. So many lonely, isolated nights
passed in crying in utter despair with no pra’na– just frustration.

Baba, sometimes I suffered and got hit by the cold northern breeze. And
sometimes that northern breeze took away all my hopes, inspirations, and
gains. Just I drowned in staticity and crudeness.

But now, by Your grace today spring has come. All the surroundings are
filled with the colourful flowers and sweet aroma. The dark night has
changed into a glittering moonlight, shining in the sky. Peacocks are
dancing in happiness and expressing their joy by extending their feathers.

The sweet breeze has come. It is shaking my whole existence and making
me quiver in the divine vibration. That sweet breeze is giving me the hint
and telling me, ‘Listen! the divine flute, which is resonating, it is
calling you…”

== LIFELONG SLEEP ==

Note: Be sure to read the follow-up report and news update at the bottom
of this letter about the awful mistreatment of Didi Shucismita’s broken
hand.

Namaskar,
The other day when doing pracara I had an indepth, personal conversation
with someone about yama and niyama, kiirtan and meditation.

They appeared to be quite interested.

When our talk ended, I thought they would have a question on the topic
or ask when was the next dharmacakra etc.

But instead, they said they wanted to go on the internet to check the
timetable about some pseudo-culture movie at the local cinema. That was
all they wanted to know.

When I recounted this to my Dada then he nodded knowingly and said,
“Psychic slumber.”

My acarya then went on to give the following reply which I have written
in summary form for all of you.

DYNAMIC PERSONALITY

The human personality is dynamic and diverse and exists on three realms:
physical, psychic and spiritual.

We all know that Ananda Marga aims for the development of the whole
human personality.

Thus we should be fully aware about sleep and how it manifests on all
levels of life.

Unfortunately nowadays many are not cognizant of this critical issue,
both inside and outside the Marga. So it needs our careful attention,
for our own understanding and growth, and for sharing with others.

SLEEP: IN A NUTSHELL

In brief, here is what is meant by sleep, in the various realms of life.
These are Baba’s definitions.

(A) Physical sleep is when one is lying down in their bed and sleeping.
This we all know about.

(B) Psychic sleep is when one is not aware about the real value of human
life and is instead engrossed in material pursuits, religious dogmas,
and animalistic propensities.

(C) Spiritual sleep is when one forgets the divine fact that Parama
Purusa is with you, watching you.

All these are discussed in greater detail below.

WHY SLEEP IS SO DANGEROUS

The most telling aspect or main characteristic about sleep – whether it
be physical, psychic or spiritual – is that when one is sleeping then
they are not aware that they are sleeping. They are not at all
conscious. That is why it is so dangerous, especially in the psychic and
spiritual realms. Though physically sleeping when driving is also very
dangerous.

Sleep happens unbeknownst to the person. The person sleeping is totally
oblivious of the fact that they are sleeping. They cannot think or say,
“Right now at this moment I am sleeping.” This basic awareness they do
not have.

The best they can do is to try and remember the very last thing they
were doing before they went to sleep. After that they will not be aware
what transpired. This mostly applies to physical sleep. Those involved
in psychic and spiritual sleep can pass entire lifetimes without waking
up – it happens, even in our Marga.

It should also be noted that of these three types of sleep, physical
sleep is restorative – so long as one does not sleep too much. In
contrast, both psychic sleep and spiritual slumber have no redeeming
quality – none.

WHAT IS PSYCHIC SLEEP? (Part 1)

We all know what physical sleep is, but psychic sleep may be less apparent.

Basically, when one is engrossed in religious dogmas, social dogmas, and
material pursuits, then that is psychic sleep. Such persons have no
concept of the more subtle aspects of life. They are just here for
eating, sleeping, drinking and merrymaking or various dogmatic
enterprises. These are the characteristics of psychic slumber.

If someone is sleeping psychically and you talk to them about yama and
niyama or meditation, then they will often have a blank look on their
face. Regardless of their educational status, if they are sleeping
psychically, even a PhD scholar will be mentally dull in this regard.
They will not show an iota of interest in spirituality.

You can tell people all day about how human life is precious and money
is not everything and that they must learn meditation etc, and then at
the end of the conversation they may only ask about getting a bottle of
wine. Such is a classic case of psychic slumber.

Unfortunately at present in this grossly materialistic era, most suffer
in this regard. They cannot see that this entire world is the divine
expression of Parama Purusa and that there is more to living that
satisfying one’s animalistic propensities.

We should not just think that psychic sleep only applies to those
non-margiis grossly disinterested in spiritual topics.

WHAT IS PSYCHIC SLEEP? (Part 2)

There are also those who express some or more interest in the subtle
sphere but get clouded in dogmas like groupism, factionalism, etc. That
is what we have happening in our Marga.

All in AM have the book knowledge that groupism is something bad, but
even then some have fallen prey to this ism and have committed their
life to the selfish interests of their chosen group. No names need be
mentioned here, but in our Marga some fall in this category.

And that is exactly what Baba is warning about in His below teaching.

Baba says, “Next is psychic lethargy. What is the nature of this sort of
lethargy? Psychic lethargy is the lack of mental courage to think
independently and to utilize the physical potentialities according to
one’s inherent thoughts. For example, most people realize that since all
human beings are the progeny of Parama Purus’a, there should not be any
distinction of caste. Those who accept casteism can never accept Parama
Purus’a and conversely, those who believe in Parama Purus’a can never
accept casteism. Almost all human beings understand this and yet, in
their individual lives, they surrender to old customs and beliefs. Just
imagine what a serious lapse this is, what a serious psychic lethargy.
The root case is the lack of moral courage.” (AV-8)

Thus anyone in AM who even is remotely connected with groupism and
groupist politics is a victim of psychic slumber. Whether they wish to
admit it or not, they are totally sleeping in the psychic realm.

And indeed they will not admit it. Because, as stated above, those who
are sleeping cannot recognise that they are sleeping. That is the
special, if not dangerous, quality of sleep.

Thus day in and day out those involved in psychic slumber indulge in
groupist activities all the 24hrs. Yet they remain oblivious to their
psychic slumber. Their sense of vivek is not working – they cannot
understand the teachings of Parama Purusa and apply them to their life.
So they think what they are doing is alright. They continue to engage
100% in their groupist battle plans.

Yet one fine morning, in this lifetime or the next, by Baba’s grace,
they will awaken and wonder what hell they have been doing with their
lives. And they will exclaim, “Why did you not tell me that I was doing
such things?” – yet little do they know that each and every day for
decades they were told not to indulge in groupist propaganda.

They do not realise that life is short and life is meant for ideology,
not groupist or dogmatic or material pursuits. Such is the main criteria
of psychic sleep.

PHYSICAL SLEEP & PSYCHIC SLEEP

If you ever talked to someone on the phone when they were extremely
tired or if you ever talked to someone just as they were falling asleep
or even when they were asleep, then you know that that person will not
remember what you were talking about. Having succumbed to sleep, you can
tell them so many things – “Your mom called”, “It is raining out, “The
loan was rejected” – and they will not remember anything. But later they
will accuse you of not telling them.

Same is the case with psychic slumber. Such persons have been following
groupist dogmas for years and doing so many injustices in our Marga, yet
they are not able to pay heed to the warnings. They do not understand
the harm they are doing, the time they are wasting, and the negative
karma they are creating.

Thus in both physical and psychic sleep, the person in slumber is
oblivious to all kinds of rational talk. Yet later on, they will accuse
others of not saying anything when they realise what they were doing
wrong and what good things they missed.
And the only reply is, “All along people told you but you did not hear
or listen.”

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL SLEEP?

Lastly, we come to the phenomenon of spiritual sleep.

Baba says, “Of all the different types of lethargy, spiritual lethargy
is the worst. Spiritual lethargy means not to sit for meditation
regularly. Those with spiritual lethargy have time for all other
actions, but for spiritual practice there seems to be no time. They say,
“It’s already late today – I’ll do a short meditation right now, and
devote more time to sa’dhana’ tomorrow.” They sit attentively inside the
cinema hall, but in dharma sa’dhana’ they feel sleepy.” (AMIWL-10)

So spiritual sleep relates with not properly attending to one’s duty of
sadhana. That is certainly one main aspect of spiritual slumber.

From that main stem of not doing sadhana come many offshoots.

Lack of spiritual awareness means forgetting that Parama Purusa is with
me, watching me. If at any time during the day or night a sadhaka
forgets – even temporarily – that Parama Purusa is with me or if they do
not have that idea vibrating in their mind, then it means that they /
you are sleeping spiritually.

Thus all the dogmatic religions that claim that God is far away are sunk
in spiritual slumber. Similarly, those followers of so-called mahaprayan
(i.e. Baba is gone) are also lost in spiritual slumber. As are those who
chase after Parama Purusa by going on tiirthas, whether that tiirtha be
in Mecca, Jerusalem, Jamalpur or Kolkata. Plus those dogmatic worshipers
who ask their God for material gain and those groupists who secretly
pray to Parama Purusa for prestige and power – they are all sleeping.
Internally they are harboring for something else other than Parama
Purusa Himself.

In all such cases the aspirant is sleeping soundly. They may deny it a
thousand times over, but that is the way of the world. Those in sleep
cannot recognise they are sleeping. So they come up with dumb
justifications for their foolish pursuits. This happens both in psychic
and spiritual slumber.

The key defining point with spiritual slumber is feeling / not feeling
Baba’s constant presence. As soon as one feels that, “Baba is with me”
then that person is no longer sleeping. However without vigilance and
proper spiritual endeavor, they may fall back asleep. That happens.

This state of spiritual slumber is also known as adhyataman nidra.

In essence anyone who thinks, “I am great” is plunged in this disastrous
mode of life or spiritual slumber. Because they are unable to realise
the greatness and presence of Parama Purusa, they foolishly think that,
“I am great”.

So these are some of the telltale signs of spiritual slumber.

Here is another warning from Baba how people waste their existence
doused in spiritual slumber.

Baba says, “People…waste their time getting old for nothing. That is,
they waste their time in non-spiritual pursuits. This is called
“spiritual lethargy”. It causes the greatest harm to human life because
it results in only a very small percentage of the human potentiality –
maybe one or two percent – being utilized by humans. Even those whom we
call great personalities hardly use ten percent of their potentialities.
Due to spiritual lethargy people are unable to grow, and thus remain
very ordinary. They come to the world, live, decay and die as ordinary
human beings.” (AV-8)

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace we should all live life as awakened sadhakas – not
falling prey to dogma or groupism and not forgetting that He is always
with us. Then our life will be successful. Failing that, one will be
prone to lifelong sleep.

Baba says, “Human beings have to move, and move on ceaselessly. When
they are endowed with the strength of movement, they will have to move
in a proper manner. Where there is strength, that strength must be
properly utilized. One must not slip into slumber, allowing this
strength to remain inert. Parama Purus’a has given this power to be
utilized. The knowledge of the learned, the strength of the strong, the
intelligence of the intellectuals – all these faculties have been given
not to be merely preserved but to be utilized. Those persons who do not
utilize their faculties have no right to ask for anything from the Lord,
and those who misuse their faculties are also doomed to destruction.”
(AFPS-4)

Namaskar,
Gaurishankar

NEWS UPDATE:THE HORRIBLE CASE OF DIDIJI’S BROKEN HAND

As we all know, Solapur DSL Didi Brc. Shucismita’ suffered a broken hand
in May at the WRC camp. That time Centre did not give any treatment –
they refused – and her hand was not plastered for 4 days. That was the
tragedy. Here is the report about that initial incident.

Then in August RDS, Didiji openly told in a meeting with senior Purodha
Vishvadevanandajii about her horrible situation.

She explained how a medical doctor warned that serious treatment was
needed but neither Centre nor her authorities in WWD would help.

The doctor warned that the arm may never be the same again. Days passed
and still no help. Finally, with no other recourse, she accepted service
from her laukik family. She knew that to serve Guru in this lifetime her
arm would need to be proper, thus after days of waiting and no one from
the organisation offering to help, her laukika family members arrived on
scene and pleaded with her to get medical treatment. In the end, taking
Baba’s name, she went with her laukik brother and got medical treatment,
even then it was too late.

She told that after the plaster cast was finally put on, not a single
senior worker nor any higher authority turned to look after her.

Furthermore, because Centre refused to give her the needed treatment –
or for that matter any medical care, she did not get plaster on time,
that’s why her hand has become permanently curved. She had needed more
serious treatment but neither Centre nor any senior Didi helped her.

Such is the horrible plight of innocent workers who do not join any
group. They get harrassed and tortured.

It is inconceivable that those in Centre and senior Didis would not help
our Didi. Such top Dadas and Didias have lost even their most basic
human feeling. If someone is suffering, then irrespective of their caste
or social status, then help should be given. But this much human feeling
is totally absent from the heart and minds of our top Wts. It is
shameful how they let this Didi suffer.

Such is what happens when people do not practice sadhana etc. Their mind
becomes blind due to their vanity and lust for power. Everyone should
seek out and write Didi Shucismita’. All should inquire about her welfare.

Where has my Lord Krsna gone. Where is He hiding? I have been
searching Him all day long. And now it is evening– so since morning to
evening. In His longing my eyes are showering tears. I am wandering
around in search of Him. In longing for Him, my eyes are raining tears.

My beloved Lord Krsna is neither in Vrindaban, nor Gokul, nor is He in
Mathura. Where has He gone? From which divine world is He playing His
flute and herding his cows.

What type of bond of love am I tied up in. My heart is aching. I am
completely restless in His love. Where is my dear-most Lord Krsna. What
type of love is this. He has taken away my heart, my mind. And He has
given nothing.

What type of liila is this. In a flash I lost everything. I will not
care about any types obstacles. I will go on searching Him non-stop. I
will go on searching my dear most Lord Krsna– my Life of the life, my
Polestar…

== MISUSE & ABUSE OF WT-SHIP ==

Note: This letter contains critical news about the so-called
12.5% tax on field workers these days.

Namaskar,
Perhaps the greatest resource in our Marga is our very own family
members. Baba Himself says that ours is a “man-making mission”; ours is
the constant endeavour to create devotional and ideologically-minded
sadhakas who can lead the humanity. And, certainly our AM acaryas are a
vital component of this formula.

And indeed, most enter into WT-ship with the high ideal of living a
sadhu life and serving humanity.

Yet all too often things go awry, primarily due to a seriously flawed
and defective approach taken by the so-called governing bodies of our Marga.

On going case studies further substantiate this notion as they critically
reveal how the style of leadership in our Marga since 1990 undermines
the overall development and well-being of our Wts.

Before reviewing all the specific points of this 12.5% tax, we
should first investigate some of the prevailing themes involved as this
way of (mis)management applies to not only these particular workers, but
rather to our entire Wt cadre.

WT’S ARE NOT JUST MONEY-MAKING MACHINES

Our acaryas have a great role to play on this earth as they are to
embody Baba’s divine system of Sixteen Points and spread AM ideology.
This is their true dharma.

Tragically, those at the helm – from 1990 up through this present hour –
view our workers in a totally different light. Such top Dadas look upon
the mass of wts as mere money-making machines. That is their worth in
the eyes of such ruling Dadas.

If a wt gives cash to support their groupist court cases, then those
leaders feel that that worker has properly fulfilled his duty. If a wt
slaves day and night selling merchandise for the ruling camp, then those
leaders feel that this is proper. If a worker comes across money in any
way, shape, or form, then those crude leaders feel they must have those
funds– for their own selfish use.

All because those at the top think that the only utility of the mass of
field workers is to bring in money into the organisation. This is their
flawed way of thinking.

And proof of all this is that those who give funds get Purodhaships, get
Vishesh yoga, get cushy postings etc. And those who do not make money
and instead engage in serving the local people, or doing pracara, then
they are viewed as being basically worthless. Because they do not supply
huge “green” to their bosses.

With this type of monetary pressure hanging over their heads, then
naturally the mass of wts get swayed in this direction. Because they
know that if they do not earn big bucks, then there will be hell to pay.

Thus, day by day, their adherence to 16 Points wanes and they get molded
into money-making machines, or nearly so. All because those top leaders
pin prick them that they must do this– or else…face the consequences.

AMPS “LEADERS” DO FOR THEIR SELFISH GAIN

Then there is another defective outlook pursued by those ruling Dadas.
Although they are holding the top posts, such “leaders” do not feel that
they are running an organisation for some united or collective goal.
Rather they feel that they have a whole bunch of pawns at their disposal
for the selfish need.

That is why such top Dadas will readily forgo all organisational
protocol if a particular worker is one of their pawns. For example, if a
general worker is giving them money or supporting their group cause,
then that worker will be freed of all organisational responsibility.
That wt will not have to go to reporting, or that worker will be
“allowed” to visit their parents, or that worker will be “enabled” to
have an illicit relation– or anything.

The whole point being that those top Dadas will utilise a worker for
their own personal or groupist needs, and throw all the organisational
protocols to the wind.

Yet Baba has set down various organisational rules, systems, and
pathways that are to be follow. But those ruling Dadas blatantly
overlook and toss aside Guru’s directives, if anyone is obliging them
meet their selfish desire.

ALL THIS SPELLS BAD NEWS

When the organisation is being run under such conditions and when the
mass of wts are looked upon as mere pawns that are to be exploited, then
this makes for one very diseased organisation– and that is exactly what
we are seeing now.

Wt’s come in with high hopes of doing something great in their lives,
but step by step they get beaten and broken down by the powers that be,
until finally wts just get involved in filthy behaviours, run away and
get married, return back to their families, or became ‘yes-man’ of the
ruling groupist kingdom.

So this crooked management style is ruining the very fabric of our AMPS.
Because ours is a man-making mission, yet when that very endeavour is
being severely undermined, then who can say that the purpose of our
organisation is being served.

NEWS UPDATE:

12.5% TAX ON GENERAL WORKERS

It is commonly known that Nigamananda is working very hard to snatch money
from all junior workers. Nowadays junior Dadas and Didis struggle hard to
get donations due to widespread groupism. So it is very difficult to get to
RDS, purchase train ticket etc. Yet when reaching RDS Nigamananda and his
troops forcibly snatch money in the name of their imposed 12.5% tax.

That means taking 12.5% of all donations that workers got.

In the name of this charge they even secretly take money from the workers
pockets, even from the personal bags of workers. Especially from those
workers who are not spoons and those whose character is good.

All workers know that Nigamananda dislikes those who are not in illicit
relations with any didi. Because then it is difficult to control that person.
Nigamananda likes to have “dirt” on someone so he has leverage to control the
situation.

In short, the 12.5% tax is used to suppress wts and keep them living next to
poverty level, such that they must stuggle for their basic survival. That keeps
good wts “at bay”.

Same thing is happening in didis side where Nigamananda’s troop of Didi Ananda
Nitimaya’ and Didi Ananda Prabha’ are both very harsh with juniors Didis. They
take money in the name of food and accommodation at the RDS and on the
name of 12.5% tax.

The whole situation is very difficult and quite backwards. Those junior workers
doing ideological pracara are the ones who do not have much money and the top
business oriented Dadas have lots of money. Yet those top Dadas are still not
content. They want every ruppee.

It is an age-old story. The exploiters are wealthy and the simple people are poor.
And those doing the real pracara are victimised. It is the story of haves and have nots.

By seeing the fancy meals, expensive garments, proper health, and shining
jewelery of those top Dadas it is clear they are the haves. By seeing the simple
food, basic clothes, and worn faces of simple workers, it is evident they are
the have nots.

Even then still those top Dadas are ravenous to grab every penny from around
the globe. They are ruthless in their appraoch and lavish in their spending.
They will eat a breakfast costing RS 200 while a simple Dada eats plain moori
for RS 2. And still top Dadas are anxious to grab whatever money those junior
workers have.

All in all the situation is quite pathetic. It is a serious matter. When such
incongruities are happening within our Marga, then how are such so-called leaders
going to spread the teachings of Prout and social / economic justice elsewhere.
They cannot.

This is the sad state of affairs nowadays in our Marga. So many good wts
are suffering.

And again, this is not an isolated case but rather a systemic problem. If it
is not the 12.5% tax then it is something else.

JUST LIKE ENTERING THE US ARMY

That is why many are telling that becoming a wt in the organisation
these days is just like joining the US army. In both case new enrollees
join with the hope of doing something noble, but in the end they are
sent on crude self-serving escapades for the powers that power. Because
we all know that there is no proper intention by the US’s invasions of
Iraq & Afghanistan etc, similarly those WTs also get used and abused
by their ruling bodies.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace the state of affairs in our organisation will improve
soon. Our mission, our wt cadre, our Marga family is destined to do
something great on this earth. And as soon as we can realise the true
dharma of our acaryas, the faster we will get things straightened out
and become successful.

Baba says, “Remember, Ananda Marga is a man-making mission…Those who
have the responsibility to show the path to others should be of
superlative character with the most refined conduct. They and their
followers must move constantly towards all-round development and shreya.
Persons who teach such well-regulated behaviour to others by their own
conduct are called a’ca’ryas.” (AV-31)

Namaskar,
Jayanti

******************************************
Real Wealth

“Ya’jinavalkya asked, ‘What would you like?'”

“Maetreyii replied: ‘Yena’ham’ na’mrtasya’m’ tena’ham’ kim kurya’m'”

“‘What will I do with things which will not remain with me permanently?
Of what use are the objects which will not establish me in
immortality?…’Please give me that thing which will remain with me
permanently, which I’ll be able to preserve forever, which will
establish me in immortality. I don’t want anything else.'”

“Then Ya’jinavalkya gave her a number of instructions, upon which a
major part of Raja Yoga is based’.” (AV-7, p.44)

Note: As described in the above quote: Really, worldly things cannot
remain with us very long. That is why ideal people run towards Parama
Purusa. Being Parama Purusa and Guru, Baba Himself has guided us how to
reach Him. On this point, we are extremely fortunate to at least have
gotten the path. Now our main duty is to follow it.

PS Intro: This following song is not a very common type of Prabhat Samgiita.
In this song, the scene unfolds how Baba is sitting listlessly in the flower
garden all by Himself, and the devotee is trying in many ways to attract His
attention. So Parama Purusa is just playing His liila because although He
knows everything, here He is pretending as if He is unaware that the devotee
is close by. This type of liila is displayed in this following song.

Baba the day when I saw You in the campa flower garden, that time also the
flower’s honey vessels were covered by its petals. Underneath the flower petals,
there was an accumulation of honey nectar. I looked toward You with my eyes
full of great longing, expectation, and anticipation; but that was all in
vain because You did not respond to me that time. Baba, one thing is beyond
my understanding, why were You just sitting there listlessly in that flower
garden–and You did not seem to notice me at all.

Baba, in various ways I tried to attract Your attention. I intentionally
placed my foot on some dry, crunchy leaves hoping that at least by that sound
You would hear me and wonder ‘who has come, who is here’. Yet, alas, You did
not pay any heed. But even though You were not looking towards me, still You
were pulling my heart very strongly. Thus in spite of Your playful indifference,
in my heart the lamp of hope was still glittering. I was keeping the feeling
alive in my heart, that Your liila will change and You will graciously look
towards me.

So again I tried to attract Your attention. This time my heart was filled
with fear and shyness; I could not gather the courage to go directly in front
You. So I just continued moving from a distance with gentle steps looking
towards with longing in my heart. Means slowly, slowly– time to time– I
was staring at You with anxious and hopeful eyes, hoping that at least You
will grace me by looking towards me and call me closer to You. Alas, all my
hopes and dreams were in vain. That day I understood how Your liila generates
blissful pain in my heart.

Baba, even then that day I continued on with the hope that this liila will
end soon, and You will look towards me. That time the whole atmosphere was
charged with the sweet aroma of all those flowers in the garden.

Baba, Your liila is unfathomable. Although You did not look towards me that
time, but in my heart I felt that You are more close than ever. Baba, I felt
that You graciously pulled my entire existence towards You with the invisible
flow of devotion and tied me in the bond of Your love…

== DOING TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT OURSELVES ==

Namaskar,
Not long back I attended a retreat and at the opening ceremony and also in
our ERAWS Departmental meetings Dadas were telling that ‘We [margiis] should
engage in some work or activity so that we will feel good about ourselves’. They were
telling that this should be our motivating factor. Plus they were saying, ‘If
you do not do something, then how will our seniors be pleased’. So these are
some of the things we margiis are hearing at retreats nowadays. So this is
one of the common problems. Unfortunately those making these types of statements
are oblivious about Baba’s teaching.

Baba says, “It is incorrect to say that merely doing good deeds is enough:
People must hold an object of ideation in their minds. And that supreme
object of ideation is Parama Purus’a. Only then if some good action is
performed will it be successful. Now if one wants to do some good deed excluding
Parama’tma’ that will not be a good deed. This will be sheer selfishness on
your part, and nothing good can come from it.” (26 Feb ’71, Jammu)

HOW THE WORLD IS FUNCTIONING THESE DAYS

Due to the mass propagation of the self-centered philosophy of materialism,
there is a huge increase in selfishness. The common people are going far
astray from Baba’s above golden guideline.

Nowadays general citizens– especially those who regard themselves as so-called
advanced people– rarely do good deeds. And in the those measly few circumstances
when they do seemingly perform “good actions”, it is really done out of
self-satisfaction. That is for the sake of their own entertainment. These days
this has become the fad.

And then afterwards they just brag about their own “greatness”. They announce
to others about how they did top-level social service. And by saying that they
can feel good (puffed up) and get prestige. This is the on-going trend.

Baba says, “Suppose a certain man donates one thousand rupees to a particular
institution. The next day he looks anxiously for his name in the newspaper.
If his name does not appear in the paper, then with an air of conceit he brags
amongst his kith and kin. “I have donated a thousand rupees, but I do not desire
recognition and therefore I have not published my name in the paper.” The desire
for fame exists in a concealed form in that man’s mind. Clearly, he did not make
the donation with the spirit of service.” (SS-1)

THE OUTCOME OF SELFISH ACTIVITIES

But one should understand such so-called good works neither help the individual
nor the collective. Rather it causes or brings about their ultimate degeneration
in all the realms:

1) Those who are “doing the service” look down upon those whom they are serving;
and they end up exploiting them etc.

2) Those who are “doing the service” really want something return. Such as
name or fame etc. And when if/when they do not get that then they retaliate or r
eact in various ways;

3) Plus they go not recognise the dignity of those human beings whom they are serving.
They do not respect those downtrodden masses. By their arrogant tendency, they
end up imposing an inferiority complex upon those whom they are “serving”.

4) They bind themselves in the ocean of negative samskara and bondage by getting
sucked into the never-ending cycle of action and reaction.

5) For their own self-entertainment they lose their vivek. And when they do entertain
themselves often they harm others. For example on the weekend people do various
outlandish things like hunting, fishing, and killing. By this way we can see that
there are all kinds of negative things they do to entertain themselves. All so
that they can satisfy their selfish desires and feel good. Yet all this is a
waste of time– not to mention destructive.

6) Ultimately such persons degenerate and get totally frustrated.

THE GREATEST THING– IN THE REAL SENSE

To do work with the sole purpose and motive of pleasing Parama Purusa is the
greatest thing; that is the only good work. And by His grace true devotees do
like this. There is no other way.

Baba says, “When you perform acts with the ideation that the person served is
Náráyańa, there is no possibility of arrogance or the desire for fame growing
in your mind. Then you will realize that through the grace of a’ra’yan’a you have
been given the opportunity of serving Na’ra’yan’a. Our hands and feet are not ours,
they are His, and by serving Himself with those hands and feet, He sports with
Himself. Such an action is an action without attachment. Only in this way can one
attain salvation from the bondage of Karma. “(SS-1)

Baba says, “Knowing oneself is the real knowledge; serving all with the ideation
of Na’ra’yan’a, the real action, and the vow to please Parama Purus’a the real
devotion.” (A’nanda Va’nii #25)

Namaskar,
Hariish

Note: LIFE IN AMPS

In our organisation AMPS, the following types of ailments are going on.
Some Wts are openly bragging and telling each other:

(a) “Hey, do something to feel good”; or,
(b) “Hey, do something to please your higher authority”; or
“Hey, do something to please your grouip leader” etc; or,
(c) “Hey, do something to save your post and get a promotion.”

This is what they say. And this is not a hidden idea either. Rather it
happens on a daily basis. In this way they brag and loudly expose their
feeling to one and all. Plus some margiis etc who give a few pennies
for relief projects talk all day long about their own greatness and great
generosity. These are the common ailments.

So by this one can easily understand that such persons are surrounded by
Cimmerian darkness. The fate of such Wts or margiis ends up in sheer frustration.

In contrast, good margiis follow Baba’s teaching: Do with the ideation of
serving Parama Purusa.

***************************************
Margiis’ Status

Baba says, “Most people spend their lives on this planet eating and
drinking. Sometimes they contract diseases, their stomachs become distended,
and they die. But there are certain exceptional people who say, ‘No, we have
not come to eat, drink and make merry.’ Those who lead licentious lives foolishly
get involved in brawls and fights, but the exceptional people say, ‘No, we
don’t want to live such a life, we have to lead an ideological life on the path of
“A’tmamoks’a’rtham’ jagaddhita’ya ca.”

“Those people who are society’s exceptions are extraordinary people. They
alone will build human history. Others cannot and will not do it.”

“These exceptional people are sometimes seen as lunatics by the naive public,
but the fact is that these exceptional people do something new and constructive
for society.”

“You should also know that you are exceptions. You too will do something great,
will build up something historical.” (9th January ’79)

Note: The life of each and every good margii is looked upon as something
peculiar in the eyes of the common people. The reason is A-grade margiis
are not involved in the religious dogma or materialistic ways of common
people; plus all margiis are practicing yoga, kiirtan, sadhana, eating only
sentient food, and following progressive ideas. So margiis’ thinking and living
and socializing are quite different from the common public. That is why the
common public thinks margiis are peculiar people. But sincere margiis are
not worried about this; rather they know that this is one merit. Such
margiis are great exceptions and they are also the vanguards of the entire
society. All sincere margiis are making the path which the common public will
tread in the very near future.

In Dharma Samiiksa...Baba clearly opposed all gay and homosexual type of dealing. Never did He accept it or praise it. Rather He offered strong punishment to rectify that individual and bring them onto the path of welfare.

Baba, please grace me by coming a little more close, and please smile
a little softly. Baba, by Your grace, my penance to get You will remove
the cimmerian darkness of my mind. That I know. And please shower your
sweet and charming smile like a full moon.
I know this cimmerian darkness of my mind is not eternal. So much mental
blackness and stains, hundreds of times comes and goes from my mind. Yet
this deep, all around pitch darkness, pervading everywhere, will leave
while keeping its head low in defeat. Baba, You love the divine
effulgence– not the darkness. By Your grace, I will not accept defeat
at any cost. I will remain holding only Your lotus feet. Whatever people
may say, whatever may happen, I will remain pure and blemishless, by
Your grace. Baba, You are my beginning and my end– You are my Goal.
Baba, please come close and grace me by Your divine love…

== HOMOSEXUALS & AM ==

Namaskar,
In the general society – especially in the west and certainly in the US
– the gay / homosexual movement is gaining momentum. They are marching
on the capital, getting the attention of the US President, lobbying to
make gay marriages legal in so various states, and various other things
are going on.

Naturally then, those homosexuals hiding in AM may be thinking that soon
their time is going to come. They may be thinking that their star is
going to rise and that soon the momentum about the gay / lesbian
platform will swing in AM as well. Surely some homosexually-oriented
people who’ve been biding their time in the Marga are making plans to
mobilise and turn things in their favour.

So we have to think: Is this perspective correct? Is AM going to also
“turn the corner” on the gay issue?

WHY MANY FEEL IT IS PROGRESSIVE

In the general society, taking a stand in support of the termed
“gay-rights” issue is viewed as progressive and broad-minded. Now it has
become the fashion to “accept all people without judgment”, embrace all
religions, and be open to all ways of doing. Today this type of outlook
is highly appreciated and if one embraces such a perspective they are
viewed as being “cosmopolitan” and “open-minded”.

Why is it the case?

Because for centuries there has been a lot of dogma and hatred stemming
from both the general society and the various religions. Such harshness
made life extremely difficult for many people. There was blatant racism,
gender inequality, and so much intolerance of others that life was quite
unbearable.

Now that is less so – there is widespread & growing acceptance of all
peoples. And for the most part this has been a big improvement because
earlier the general society and the various religions were littered with
so many stigmas and dogmas. People were being senselessly alienated and
attacked.

Thus, in the general society, this has been a progressive period in many
respects – and the label of “progressiveness” has been expanded to
include the homosexual way of living as well.

So those gay oriented people hiding in AM are thinking that soon their
sun will rise in AM as well.

ANANDA MARGA IS DHARMA

Before deciding one way or the other about the future of homosexuality
in AM, we must remember that AM is dharma. That is the first thing to
keep in mind.

Baba says, “Ananda Marga alone is dharma and all the rest are sectisms.”
(SS-1, p.63)

That means that from its very inception Ananda Marga has been filled
with truth and righteousness. The teachings of AM are perfect in all
respects – they need not be improved upon. Nothing more needs to be
added in order for it to become “progressive”. Only human beings need to
come to realise such teachings.

In stark contrast the various religions are founded in dogma.

Baba says, “All religions are based on dogma – they are not based on
logic – and they propagate their dogma through stories, myths and
parables.” (PNS-18)

Thus there is a heaven and hell difference between AM and the various
religions.

Ours is based on proper and right-minded teachings given by Parama
Purusa Himself and the various religions are based on crude, degrading
mandates issued by selfish priests. And those misguided religious tenets
have hounded society for centuries.

So when AM is dharma then we should maintain its pristine form whereas
the religions should be modified and cleaned-up.

It is just like if there is pure food then putting any chemical in that
food “to clean it up” will pollute it whereas if food has dirt in food
from the very beginning then steps must be taken to remove the soil and
make the food proper.

Likewise if someone is 100% healthy then there is no need to operate on
that person – and indeed operating will cause harm – whereas if one is
diseased then an operation is needed.

Our Marga is like the pure food and the healthy person while the
dogmatic religions are like the soiled food and the diseased person.

Baba’s guidelines need not / must not be changed whereas the religions
need huge modifications and changes. That is the central operative
principle.

Now let’s see how this formula applies to the issue of homosexuality in
Ananda Marga, remembering that AM is 100% dharma and straying from that
only invites degeneration.

BABA IN DHARMA SAMIIKSA

During dharma samiiksa, Baba took a strong stand against all wrongdoing
in order to set society on the proper course and bring welfare to the
people. We all saw this.

For the sake of righteousness, Baba openly exposed those involved in
extra-marital affairs, pre-marital sex, pedophilia, and, here it comes,
lesbian and gay interactions. All these things Baba openly addressed
during the time of dharma samiiksa.

Baba clearly opposed all gay and homosexual type of dealing. Never did
He accept it or praise it. Rather He offered strong punishment to
rectify that individual and bring them onto the path of welfare.

So when AM is dharma and when Baba’s stand is in opposition to gay
relations, then we must not deviate from that way. Because whatever may
be the trend in the general society today, already the teachings of AM
represents the right approach. We need not bend to what is viewed as
being “broadminded” according to the general society. Rather deviating
from the stand of AM is to fall from the path of dharma. So we must not
bend.

Baba says, “We will not deviate an inch from our ideology, nor will we
allow others to do so. One cannot promote human welfare if one bothers
too much about public criticism, about the reaction in the papers or
among the voters.” (NSS, Disc: 14)

Thus when Baba’s stand and the stand of AM is against the practice of
homosexuality, then that is our approach – period.

EMPATHY NEEDED

This in no way means that we should persecute gay people or allow any
hate crimes or violence towards gay people. That is not our way. They
are our brothers and sisters and part of this grand human family. We
must have maximum empathy for them as human beings and respect as
individuals.

It is only their mode of living that we do not appreciate, not their
personae.

Furthermore we should work to get them treatment for their glandular
defects etc. Just like anyone suffering from a malady, we should help
them to recover in both the physical and / or psychic fields. In
addition, we are to show them that if they want to find and express
love, then they should learn to love Parama Purusa.

Thus although we strongly oppose the practice of homosexuality, we will
never launch a personal campaign against those individuals per se.
Rather we will always defend and ensure their cardinal human rights as
we attempt to educate them about and rectify their lifestyle.

WHY SEX

In AM, we all know that sex is purely for procreation purposes. It is
basically has no other value or real use. Baba advises maximum
restraint, i.e. “the more the better”.

Those familiar with AM and Baba’s mandates understand this point well.

So when homosexuality offers no recourse for producing children then
what is the use of such relations. It is just lust and / or misguided
attraction. Nothing more.

There is no existential value or utility in homosexual relations.

IT WILL ONLY BE POSSIBLE WHEN…

So although this is a seemingly controversial topic, our approach is
quite clear. There need not be any debate or countless forums about this
topic.

Those who think that just as gay relations are gaining support in
general society then the same will occur in AM are misguided. This is
not what the future holds for Ananda Marga.

Gay relations – as a human practice – will only be possible in Ananda
Marga when things like pre-marital sex, prostitution, easy-as-pie
divorce, fatherless children, and child pornography are also accepted in
AM. I.e. Never.

The day such things are embraced by AM society is the day it is no
longer Ananda Marga. It will be something else.

AM ideals are based on Baba’s teachings and our AM society is meant to
follow those ideals – none other.

That is why only naive people carry the false hope that one day
homosexuality will become an accepted and honoured life choice in AM.

SYMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING NEEDED

Once again sympathy and understanding is needed in all respects – all
should be valued and loved.

Here we are condemning the practice of homosexuality and not homosexuals
per se. We are against the practice – not the person.

Rather we are to extend all sympathies and therapies to guide the person
in the proper manner, away from such pursuits.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace He has given us all the teachings for dharmic life.
Whatever is popular or not popular in the general society has no bearing
on the way things develop in AM. Ours is the path of pure spirituality
and the social representation thereof according to Baba.

Thus when the issue of homosexuality comes to the table, we know exactly
where we stand, irrespective of the current protests and / or proposals
being made in the general society.

“Along with the theory of spiritual inheritance one Cosmic Ideology will
have to be adopted and that ideology is that one Supreme Entity– the
Cosmic Entity– is the goal of all living beings. This spiritual sentiment
will keep human beings united for all time to come. No other theory can
save the human race.” (To The Patriots)

Baba, You are the most charming Entity of this entire creation. I have
wandered around and searched this vast universe looking only for You– only
for You. I could not see or find You anywhere; I could not get that most
sweet Entity of my mind, O my dear most Baba.

Baba, about You, various people say various things: Some give useless
logic and empty theories about You; and, O’ my Vidhu, O’ my Moon, others
say that You cannot be held by studying the philosophy or by learning
spiritual science.

Baba, I do not possess any spiritual wealth or atma-jinana for attaining
You. Only this much I know that You alone are the essence of everything.
Baba, You are my Goal. O’ my dearmost, by Your grace this much I understand
that when You shower a wee-bit of Your grace only then will I get You.

Baba, please be gracious…

== WHICH SAMAJ IS GREAT ==

Namaskar,
On and off since 1990, various groups have come into the lead,
simultaneously pushing others behind. And they justify their view by
telling that their people or their samaj is “better than the rest”.
But we know that Baba is the Cosmic Father– the Supreme One. And He never
favours the people of one area over another. Rather in front of Him
everyone is of equal standing– irregardless of their birth or community.
Rather Baba enjoys seeing the growth of one and all– ‘Let everyone develop
in a nice way’, He would say.

Thus there is no credence to the statement or feeling that one group is a
shoulder up from another. And proof of this is that wherever Baba would go
He would sing the praises of that particular area to give them positive
spirit to move ahead. And those receiving that inspiration would understand
that just as Baba is encouraging us to advance, likewise He is infusing the
spirit of progress within all.

So Baba’s samaj theory is a dynamic approach where all progress in
coordination with the development of all. And no group, clan, or community
can raise their head and say they are better or more blessed than others.
To do so is merely to expose their own ignorance.

Here is more about Baba’s samaj theory.

BABA’S SPECIAL WAY OF DOING

As we know, Baba’s samaj theory recognises the specialties of all. In that
regard Baba praises all the samajas. For example, each and every place
where Baba has visited then invariably He praises that community and the
qualities of their samaj. Because Baba wants to highlight the good things
of a particular samaj in order give them a boost of self-confidence so that
they can fight against exploitation and raise their standard. So Baba
praises all samajas with the intention of removing their inferiority
complex– thus enabling them to move ahead.

WHAT SOME PROCLAIM

Unfortunately some samajas are operating in an opposite way. They are
eulogising their own greatness in such a way as to inject inferiority
complexes within other samajas all around the globe in our AM society. But
such an approach goes directly against the spirit of Baba’s samaj system.

MORE ABOUT BABA’S SPECIAL WAY

Because Baba inspires one and all in order to help the society rid itself
from any and all negative feelings like inferiority complex. Because Baba
loves all and He encourages each and every community to overcome their
current difficulties and struggles. Baba helps everyone to recognise their
inherent strength and talents. Toward this end Baba has praised so many
samajas so that each and every community could rise up and grow.

WHEREVER BABA VISITS HE INFUSES POSITIVITY

Here then are some of the many examples where Baba praises various samajas
when He visits that particular area.

In the following quote Baba is glorifying how Chattisgarh samaj will serve
as one guiding light to the whole humanity.

Baba says, Chattisgarh “should have a very bright future. Let the people
from other parts of the world come here and learn how far the people here
have achieved progress, and in which ways they are going to bring about
progress in other spheres of life. Let the light of Chattisgarh be ever
effulgent, like a luminous star in human society, so that all may learn and
be benefitted by it.” (AFPS-4, p.37)

And here below Baba is encouraging and reminding the Bhojpuri people of the
greatness of their land so they will raise their fist against injustice.

Baba says, “From the economic point of view the soil of this [Bhojpur] area
is extremely fertile…The [Bhojpuri] people are industrious, and the soil
is fertile…If the land is not poor, why should the people be poor? There
should not be poverty among the people at all in this area. So it is your
bounden duty to make this beautiful fertile land free from exploitation.”
(AFPS-4, p. 53)

Baba also highlights the speciality of those people of the Ananda Nagar area.

Baba says, “Anandanagar has a unique glory, and that glory has developed
out of the great sacrifice of many noble souls. Let Anandanagar provide
guidance to the entire universe in spiritual practice, service, sacrifice,
renunciation, and culture. This is what we should pray for, and this is the
reason that we should build Anandanagar and help it radiate light to the
universal humanity. This is what I want.” (AFPS-4, p. 38)

Baba continues, “Let Anandanagar be the medium of our cultural
progress…it will not be difficult to establish Anandanagar as an ideal
cultural and spiritual center.” (AFPS-4, p. 39)

And here below Baba is injecting Magadha samaj with the strength and
courage to stand in the face of all opposition and exploitation.
Baba says, “That Magadha which has given birth to noble persons…will
never perish. There is no power on earth that can destroy it.” (SC-1, p. 141)

WHEREVER BABA VISITS HE INFUSES POSITIVITY– (CONT)

Furthermore, by the following lines it is clear that when Baba visits any
samaj then He praises not one but many aspects of the samaj. A case in
point occurs here with regards to Mithiila samaj.

Baba says, “Mithiila is situated in the eastern part of India, at a
different longitude, and as such it should and does have its own
almanac…Thus we see that in all respects Mithila has its own
specialities…This proves that Mithila has all along had its own script
and alphabet.” (AFPS-4, p. 47)

Baba continues, “The children of the present-day Mithila, should remember
that even five or six thousand years ago there was a great civilisation at
Mithila, and it was a pre-Aryan civilisation: That is, it existed even
before the Aryans migrated to India. Thus you can easily understand how
ancient was the civilisation of Mithila.” (AFPS-4, p. 48)

Baba says, “The very land of Mithila is the land of Tantra.” (AFPS-4, p. 48)

Baba adds, “The people of Mithila are very rational-minded and intellectual
by disposition. There was no differentiation of caste among them even as
far back as in the post Buddhist age.” (AFPS-4, p.48)

Baba concludes, “In fact it can be said that the Maethili language has the
oldest history of all the Sam’skrt-derived languages in India…This
language is at least 1200 to 1300 years old, and its literature is 900
years old.” (AFPS-4, p. 50)

And here below Baba is highlighting particular attributes of the Pahari and
Dogari samajas.

Baba says, “Pa’ha’r’ii is a separate language, not merely a dialect; and
Dogrii, too, is also a separate language, as I have told you previously.”
(AFPS-4, p. 55)

Similarly when Baba has visited overseas then He always praises and
encourages those local samajas as well. Such as in Venezuela, Fiesch,
Manila and so many places.

By this way it becomes clear that Baba has injected strong inspiration within
all the communities which He has visited. This is one special approach that He
has done everywhere. So none should think that Baba only praises one– thus
leading the rest behind.

SAMAJ THEORY IS FOR THE GLORY OF ALL

Indeed the entire spirit of Baba’s samaj theory encompasses the welfare of
all– whether He physically visited a place or not. Baba’s overall
guideline is that every samaj and community should grow.

Baba says, “Encourage everyone to build their career in a nice way. Let
none get the scope to think that their life has become useless.” (Ananda
Vanii #19)

ALL ARE EQUALLY IMPORTANT

So there is no question of any land being high or low. All are are part of
Parama Purusa’s special creation; and He loves all equally. About this
there should be no complex, no feelings of inferiority, no dogma.
We should all live remembering that all samajas are great, all human beings
are great, and that all are His progeny.

Baba says, “You must never encourage superiority complex, inferiority
complex, fear complex, defeatist complex etc. You are the very children of
Parama Purusa. Hence you are not inferior to anyone. You must not encourage
any inferiority complex, for you are the members of the highest and noblest
family. Because Your Father is the most revered Entity of this universe.”
(AFPS-4, p. 22-23)

Namaskar,
Ramanuj

Note 1: Here Baba is guiding us not to accept the dogma that any particular
samaj is better than the rest. Rather we are to directly oppose such a
misguided idea.

Baba says, “A person who wants to promote other’s welfare, a person who
wants to serve the entire humanity must keep away from dogma. Not only
that, he will have to staunchly resist dogma.” (AFPS-4, p. 61)

Baba continues, “It is not enough to keep away from something which is
considered a veritable sin, it is not enough to lodge only verbal protest
against sin. But one will have to wage an uncompromising fight against it.
This is the greatest criterion of a truly righteous person.” (AFPS)

***************************************
Contrast

Baba says, “Acaryas who have a minimum of five hundred initiates and are
adept in the difficult vishes’a yoga will be eligible for purodha
training.” (CC-1, chapter 4, point 2)

Note: These days this above mandate of Baba is limited to the printed page
only. Unfortunately, in practice, different parameters are there for
getting Purodhaship. Now a minimum two qualifications are needed: (1) To
obey Centre like a slave without any “if’s & but’s”– to always be ready to
blindly follow them; And (2) To collect money by hook or by crook, by right
or wrong means, and give that to one’s bosses. If these two criteria are
present then one is qualified for Purodha training. So I hope in future
Baba’s teaching will again be followed.

With the arrival of effulgence, all drowsiness & sleepiness have been
vanquished. In the flower garden, new growth has come. The buds of those
flowers which were in hibernation have now all bloomed. And they have
filled the flowers with nectar; it is overflowing.

Each and everyone’s heart is vibrated with the new color. Each and every
movement in life is vibrated in His flow. The air, the water, the earth,
and the sky– everything is filled with His vibration and charm. The advent
of the new dawn has come; now there will not be any more cries or laments
due to the darkness. In the language and expression there will no longer be
any bitterness– rather it will be saturated with sweetness and love. Love
will be the source of all inspiration.

This transformation has all happened due to the causeless grace of
Parama Purusa; He created this momentum and changed the whole vibration of
this entire universe. He filled it with His own color. The new dawn has
come and the drowsiness of staticity and dogma has disappeared. The
sweetness and charm of spirituality has come…

== ADVANCING PROUT AND BRINGING IT TO FRUITION ==

Namaskar,
Nowadays with Parama Prakrti raising her magic wand and with so much
corruption in the upper echelons of government and with the vaeshyan era
at its full height, now more than ever this world is aching for the call of
Prout. Even then for Prout to appear on the scene is not a joke. Even with
all the conditions apparently ripe, there is a specific system for bringing
the Prout revolution– and without adhering to Baba’s prescribed method,
Prout will remain on the sidelines.

SOME OF THE WELL KNOWN HISTORY

Since the inception of Prout in 1959, there have been numerous & on-going
efforts by various Proutists to bring revolution; but unfortunately mostly
they were thinking in their own way how a Prout government can be quickly
established– and they overlooked Baba’s system.

No doubt in various units field wts and margiis are doing very good works,
but the overall flow of PU from the top down has not been like that.

This is evidenced in multiple ways including the time in 1970 when Proutist
candidates first contested in the local elections. That time those
Proutists thought that the golden age of Prout had come. And they thought
they were there just to eat gravy and collect the prize. But in that
election those Proutist candidates got blown away like the dust. They
hardly got even a vote.

And another example is how after 1970, huge enthusiasm was created in
Tripura, Bengal that there itself would be the first Proutist government.
And in that naive excitement, huge money was poured into Bengal from around
the globe to establish a Proutist government in the A’mara’ Bengali area.
But beyond the terrible waste of money and resources, nothing could happen.
And still today there are hardly any margiis in Tripura– and not even the
shadow of a Prout movement, let alone Prout leadership. So the whole
program turned into one fly-by-night affair.

And like this all across the entire globe there are countless examples how
various Proutist Dadas and margiis became enthusiastic and tried their own
various ‘quick-n-easy’ methods to usher in a Proutist government. But in
those poorly thought out ways, so many persons got killed, so many Wts
left, and so many Margiis were misled because of those misguided efforts.
In that manner countless attempts have been met with failure.

MUST FOLLOW BABA’S WAY

So this is the common rule that if the path is wrong then one cannot reach
the goal. And the answer is very simple. The Lord Himself has given the
theory of Prout and He has given the pathway for how to establish it. But
because His guidelines have been overlooked that is why little has happened
thus far. Or what has been accomplished could be increased multi-fold.

So this letter is based on Baba’s teachings– i.e. the way to bring forth
the revolution along Proutistic lines.

Here following are a few of Baba’s well-known guidelines.

In His discourse ‘Nuclear Revolution’, Baba has given a phase-wise plan and
program.

In the first phase, His expressed teaching is that Margiis should first be
created. Have new people start doing sadhana and social service. And
gradually they will get the teaching and training about out Proutistic
socio-economic policies. And also education will be given as to how the
present-day exploiters are cheating the common mass.

Because if the society is not educated properly and not awakened to the
exploitation going on, then the common mass will not support the call for
revolution. So education is highly needed. Here education does not mean the
learning of a-b-c-d. In this case education means developing an awareness
how the exploiters are cheating everyone to the bone.

On this point Baba has given various meaningful guidelines in the chapter
“Nuclear Revolution”.

As we have seen, certain of our Prout leaders are thinking that on the
point of money everything will be purchased and Proutist government can be
formed. This is one of their misguided views. And some others are thinking
that simply by shaking the hand of this or that President then Prout will
be established. But both of these approaches are faulty and one important
ingredient is missing. Such types of Proutists never tried to do any
psychological preparation of the masses.

When in fact this is Baba’s guideline.

Baba says, “Revolution may not take place unless the exploited masses are
psychologically prepared for revolution. If the people do not support
revolution, the clarion call for revolution will not be heeded.” (PNS 21 p.63)

Baba’s above teaching proves that first of all, the common members of
society should be taught and prepared. Just by purchasing some political
leaders or cadres, Prout cannot be established.

SAMAJ MEETING STORY:

BABA’S IMPORTANT EXAMPLE

On this very point about education, in one samaj meeting, Baba has given
some discourse. He told, that, “In one common public meeting the political
leader raised the slogan that we should die for our land, Angabhumi. Then
several hundred of the simple villagers seated in that room rose up because
they did not like the idea of literally dying for their motherland. Some of
them even stood up and told that “I am not going to die here. Better I
should die in Varanasi. By dying there, I will get salvation.” Baba says
like this, in that very discourse.

The sense is that because villagers were not educated about the local
socioeconomic political problems, that’s why they took it in a completely
literal way. ‘Dying for motherland’ does not mean that you are absolutely
going to die there. Rather it means ‘dedicate for the cause of one’s
motherland’. So that was one misnomer. And secondly, villagers have dogma
about “Death in Varanasi brings heaven”. Because of all this, combined with
the villagers’ blatant lack of understanding about exploitation, they
opposed the program of anti-exploitation movement because they were
oblivious to the exploitation of the land.

So, that very time Baba’s sole teaching was that first the society should
be educated, and once done if the other factors are ripe then revolution
should be launched. But unfortunately in our Prout programs, sometimes
we moved in a different direction. Here is another historical example.

BY reviewing this, certainly we will be able to learn from the past and
bring Prout to the fore at the earliest.

EXAMPLE FROM THE HISTORY

In the past, 1857, one attempt of revolution happened from India, to shoe

away the Britishers. But it completely failed. Rather the revolutionaries
were crushed mercilessly.

That time society was not educated, socio-politically. But in 1947, it was
a different case.

In 1947 India got freedom. Reason being that this time in 1947 the common
mass possessed the requisite social awareness about how the Britishers were
cheating everyone. So the public supported the revolution. Thereby the
exploitative Britishers were forced to leave the country– India.

So the overall idea is that in 1857 the public was not educated. Then the
revolution was crushed right away. And not just that but, those people
could not raise their head for the next 90 years. So prematurely trying to
bring revolution brings complete negative result. Baba has taught this very
ideas in His Nuclear Revolution discourse.

EDUCATION NEEDED FIRST

The whole point is that society should first be educated. That is the first
and foremost work. If political consciousness about the presence of
exploitation is not aroused amongst the common mass, then the result will be
negative.

But unfortunately up till now most of the plans and program taken by the
Prout department are not moving in the direction which Baba has taught.
Many margiis and wts are working hard and doing good things, but certain
top Proutist Dadas etc are moving in their own selfish way– greedily
thinking that all the power will fall into their pocket.

For example, attempt after attempt has been made to buy the leaders and
capture the power. Or buy the cadres, make the leaders, win the election,
and make the Prout government. But a proper plan and program has not been
not made to raise the consciousness in the public against exploitation.
But Baba’s distinct guideline is that if this is not done, there will not
be an iota of success.

So our first duty is not to fall prey to the negative strategies employed
to date by some Proutist Dadas etc. Rather we are to follow Baba’s
teachings step by step. First create margiis and educate them about Baba’s
teachings and practices and help them to develop revolutionary qualities.
And if it will be done on mass scale, then there will not be any delay for
changing the whole society and bringing revolution. This is the critical
first step.

Because without the creation of new and upcoming sadvipras, how will there
be sadvipra leadership? Collecting corrupt persons from the general society
and trying to take their help in forming a Prout government is nothing but
an ill-fated strategy.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s divine grace, Prout will be established very soon. As we
understand how to work according to His direction, our efforts
will be efficient and effective and so many great things will happen
in the realm of Prout. Things are coming together, by His grace.

Baba says, “Victory is sure to embrace you. Difficulties and encrumbrances
cannot be more powerful that your capacity to solve them. You are the
children of the great Cosmic Entity. Be a sadvipra and make others
sadvipras also.” (PNS-6, p.30)

Namaskar,
Ram Sahay Dev

Note 1: In HIS discourse BABA gives very explicit instructions about Prout:

Baba says, “According to PROUT, the rule of Sadvipras is the ideal form of
leadership. The establishment of Sadvipra leadership will require the
systematic and rational application of PROUT by the collective effort of
many highly intelligent people. Sadvipra rule cannot be established by
blind physical force or idle intellectual extravaganza.” (Prout-18)
So from the grass-roots level the creation of sadvipras should be done to
establish Prout society. This is the practical approach, not just some
theoretical analysis.

Note 2: Baba also guides us as follows.

Baba says, “The revolutionaries will have to fight against three forces–
outside exploiters, internal exploiters and other inner evil forces.” (PNS
21 p.65)

Note 3: Whether in the general society or in the organisation, the
necessary requirements for establishing a revolution are the same.

Note 4: From 1959 to 1990, for 31 years, Baba taught us via various Prout
rules & regulations, discourses. And then in reporting sessions He has given plans and
programs for how to implement Prout. And that plan and program was for certain
phases.

We should keep in our mind that when Taraka Brahma takes human form, then
He does not keep that very body for thousands of years. So Baba is a
Mahasambhuti, He has also a limited span of time to play His divine liila.
And along with that, He went on teaching and educating us about different
aspects of His grand philosophy, plans and programs, & so many things. He
chose to use about 35 years of time to talk about Prout and Ananda Marga.
And He has given different plans, program, and teaching. And in that very
concentrated period, He taught the plan for perhaps the next five, ten,
twenty, hundred, or several hundred years.

Those who are senior Margiis and WTs and anyone following 16 Points can
easily understand all this. But those who have superficial knowledge of
Baba’s teaching, for them this may be difficult to comprehend. And they
always confuse the matter. They think that what Baba has told in a
particular year, that was the plan of that very year only. When in fact
what Baba has told in a few years, that is the plan for the entire phase of
one era.

And it depends upon the progress of society, how many years it will take to
develop from one step to another step. For example, if the society is
educated in five years, then the first phase is finished. And the second
phase program can be started. But to educate the society on socio-political
consciousness might also take 50 years. In that case then the first phase
will go on for 50 years. And as Baba says, that not until the fourth phase
will there be revolution. So it will come in its own time. Not prematurely.

One time I heard myself, in Patna, Baba was telling that “I don’t speak for
those who are attending the General Darshan or sitting next to me. I speak
for the entire humanity — present and future.”

Similarly, Baba’s plan, program is for the present and for the near or far
future. So before making plans we should be very careful about how we are
going to execute His teaching, plans and programs.

***************************************
Like New Born Baby and Mother

Baba says, “It is a law of nature that nature provides a mother with
sufficient breast milk to feed her newly-born baby. In the same way, nature
provides sufficient resources like food and other essential requirements
for all human beings. Human beings need only utilize these resources in a
proper way. Shortages of food and space cannot be blamed on nature. These
problems have been artificially created by the folly of human beings.”
(PNS-13, p.45)

... if before eating a sweet one mechanically recites second lesson, but the whole time one's mind is engrossed in the thought of that sweet delicacy and thinking "this sweet is so tasty", then that also is not the right practice of second lesson. In that case one is incurring sam'skara. One must think that this is Parama Purusa in the form of that sweet.

O’ Lord Shiva, Shiva Shankar, O’ welfare and grace Personified, You are
the Controller of everything. You are origin of the universe. O’ Prabhu,
You are the Ocean of grace.

With the beauty of divine effulgence, Your body is shining like the
mountain of silver. The Moon* is beautifying above Your head. Your whole
existence is like the most precious jewel and it is shining in its own
glory. O’ Kalyan Sundaram, Lord Shiva, You bless everyone.

You are always established in sama-samaj-tattva. No scripture has the
capacity to express Your glory. You have infinite attributions. Please
grace me with a wee-bit of the dust of Your lotus feet. I surrender at
Your alter….

*moon= Here the idea is that Lord Shiva is always ensconced in the divine
nectar (soma dha’ra’ / rasa ) of the pineal gland. That is why the moon is
symbolic. Because of this reason in mythology Lord Shiva’s picture is made
keeping the moon above His head. General people do not know the reason
behind this.

Baba says, “The hormone secretion of the pineal gland (pineal plexus or
sahasra’ra cakra ) is partly controlled by the moon, hence its nectar is
called somarasa or somadha’ra’ (soma means moon). This pineal secretion
invigorates the lower glands of the human body and intoxicates the
spiritual aspirant with divine joy.” (SS-8)

PS Note 1: Most songs of Prabhat Samgiita are based on Sanskrit vocabulary
and word meaning, but in this song the case endings & verb endings are in
Sanskrit also.

PS Note 2: About one-pointedness in Ista see the ‘Shriinathe…’ shloka
from AMIWL-11, p. 801

PS Note 3: This song has value for understanding the philosophy & greatness
of Mahasambhuti. Same way Baba has written the Namah Shivaya Shantaya and
Nama’mi Krsna Sundaram books– for philosophical teachings and also to
indirectly tell about Himself without making exact reference. Of course in
the realm of personal spiritual practices we Ananda Margiis only refer to
Baba.

== DO YOU EAT SWEETS? ==

Namaskar,
One time at DMC Baba was giving a discourse about dhruvasmrti, or fixed
memory on Brahma.

Baba was explaining that dhruvamsmrti means remembering Parama Purusa
always and that when not doing sadhana then one must use Guru mantra in
order to keep the mind ensconced in the thought of the Supreme. Then one
will be established in dhruvasmrti.

Baba then looked at everyone in attendance – there were a a few hundred
present that day – and Baba lovingly said, “When coming into the hall
today, not one person repeated Guru mantra.”

Everyone fell silent – awed by Baba’s statement.

Then Baba explained further, “When taking food or eating rice, if one is
thinking that this is rice etc, then one’s mind is not fixed on Brahma.
In that case the person is not established in dhruvasmrti. One should
instead think that this rice is Brahma. Then one will be properly
practicing 2nd lesson and become established in dhruvasmrti.”

In that same DMC discourse, Baba also told that if you love your son or
daughter as a son or daughter, then that is not consistent with the
practice of 2nd lesson. Rather one must think that that the person
before me is Brahma in the form of my son / daughter. One must view all
as expressions of Parama Purusa. Then that is second lesson, otherwise not.

Baba says, “Do you love your son? No, no you don’t love your son. You
love Brahma in the form of your son. By loving your son as a son, you
cannot love the Lord. Where there is the feeling of son, there is no
Lord and where there is the Lord, there is no son. Where you exist He
does not and where He exists you are no more.” (SS-1)

Baba’s guideline and discourse that day was all about how we should see
Brahma in each and every object. That is the right practice of second
lesson and leads to dhruvasmrti. Merely repeating the mantra itself is
not enough. Side by side one must ideate on the idea that all is Brahma.
Then one’s practice of second lesson is proper.

That was the very meaningful teaching Baba was emphasizing that day.

VALUE OF SECOND LESSON

We all know that all thoughts and actions in this world are binding. For
that reason people take birth on this earth again and again, from one
life to the next. That is the way of karma and samskara theory.

By Baba’s grace He has blessed us with the process of second lesson
whereby we can live in this world yet not incur further samskaras. In
that case we can live a reaction-free existence and attain liberation,
by His grace.

Such is the great value of second lesson.

At the same time we must remember that second lesson must be practiced
properly, otherwise it will not have any effect.

BABA’S DIVINE EXPLANATION: Part 1

As Baba has explained, merely repeating Guru mantra is not enough.
Second lesson must not be repeated mechanically like one parrot. It must
be accompanied by the feeling and idea that everything and everyone is a
manifestation of the Divine.

If one hastily recites second lesson and feeds a poor person thinking
that the person before me is one helpless beggar, then that second
lesson is not proper and that action will be binding.

Likewise if before eating a sweet one mechanically recites second
lesson, but the whole time one’s mind is engrossed in the thought of
that sweet delicacy and thinking “this sweet is so tasty”, then that
also is not the right practice of second lesson. In that case one is
incurring sam’skara. One must think that this is Parama Purusa in the
form of that sweet.

Here Baba explains how we should interact with the world and perform our
service.

Baba says, “Action performed for the sake of action is bondage…As
explained earlier the ideation that whatever I do, I do only to please
Parama’tma’ is called devotion – Bhaktirbhagavato Seva’. Devotion is
service to God. When devotees serve the universe they do it with the
feeling that they are serving the manifestation of Na’ra’yan’a only to
please Him.” (SS-19)

Thus whether we are eating or helping the poor or doing anything on this
earth, then one’s mind must be suffused with the idea that everything is
Parama Purusa – the person doing the action is Parama Purusa, the item
offered is Parama Purusa, and the person being served is Parama Purusa.

Then one’s action comes within the domain of second lesson. Then one
will not incur new samsakra.

So again the key point is that mechanically repeating Guru mantra is not
enough. In addition, the mind must be suffused with the sweet feeling
that everything is Parama Purusa. That is Baba’s divine teaching.

It should be noted that even though there are various Guru mantras, the
meaning behind them all is the same: Everything is Brahma. That is the
singular meaning of second lesson.

BABA’S DIVINE EXPLANATION: Part 2

Here Baba explains further how we are to interact in the world. This is
how we should do second lesson and view the world.

Baba says, “Thus the mind of one, who has established himself in real
vaera’gya (the renunciation of all sensual pleasures) can never become
attached to finite objects. Even in their midst he remains beyond the
reach of their attraction and gains eternal peace after death.”

“No truck with water while I bathe
With hairs flowing free
Nor woes nor griefs shall ever scathe
Unwet I dip in sea.
Dedicated to God, night and day
Awake, asleep or dreaming be
No lures of world or desires gay
Dare ever come between He and me.”

“Do your work, but do not be caught up with it. A great man said, –”

“Grind spices or be a cook
Touch not the pan you ever
Dance a frog ’fore serpent’s hook
But let it not devour,
In the sea of nectar shall you bathe
Unwet shall remain your hair
Tie the elephant to a spider’s web
Love awaits you there.”

“Here the spider represents the little unit, the sa’dhaka. A sa’dhaka
will realize what divine love is like only when he prepares the cobweb
of devotion and ties the elephant, the Supreme Entity to it.” (SS-2)

Thus in both of the above poems, Baba is beautifully explaining to us
how with the help of second lesson we can remain permanently linked with
Him, never getting attached to any mundane allurement on this earth. In
that case we will view all as His divine expression and our second
lesson will be perfect. We will live in this world, serving one and all,
totally free of any samskara.

Baba says, “Life is intimately bound up with work. If people do their
work ascribing divinity to each object they are involved with, then,
because of their non-attachment to material pleasure, they cannot be
bound by the reactions of their actions. Life also cannot be the cause
of such bondage, nor for that matter can the reactions of one’s actions
be the cause of future lives. Otherwise a person who lives a long life
will perform many actions, thus creating many reactions of greater
sorrow to be experienced, and one will be a victim of the actional cycle
life after life. (SS-2)

By His grace, the proper application of second lesson allows us to feel
and view one and all as divine expressions. That is the right
application of second lesson. Then there is no question of any worldly
bondage.

In contrast, if one merely repeats Guru mantra like a parrot and fails
to ideate properly, then one will be forever bound in the cycle of
karma, living and dying on this earth again and again and again.

LIFE IS SWEET

One final point to remember in this discussion is that by doing second
lesson properly, then one will be forever floating in His bliss. The
sadhaka will think that everything is Brahma and that all day long he is
interacting with and seeing Baba. Then life is so blissful and sweet.

That is why another name for second lesson is madhuvidya, that practice
or knowledge which brings the sweetness of the Lord’s love into each and
every interaction.

BABA’S BLESSING

By Baba’s grace we should make second lesson perfect. We should see Him
in each and every thing. Even when eating sweets we should think this is
Parama Purusa, we should not think that right now I am eating one sweet.
In that case, our life will pass blissfully on this earth and we will
not be bound by any action. We will feel each and every moment that
everything is Brahma. Each cell will be vibrated by this divine idea.
Then life really is blissful.

Baba says “Whatever you speak or do,
Forget Him never;
Keeping His name in your heart,
Work, remembering it is for Him,
And, endlessly active, drift in bliss.”
(CC-2, ‘Sadhana’, pt#10)

Namaskar,
Virendra

Note 1: MORE POSTINGS ABOUT SECOND LESSON

Here are two posting that are intimately related with this topic of
second lesson.

A) This is one special Baba story how second lesson protects sadhakas
from danger and disaster.